June 20, 2009

RUSTENBURG, South Africa- Former UIC soccer standout Jay DeMerit has proven to be a bright spot as a starting back for the U.S. Men's National Team at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

DeMerit, who is expected to earn his third straight start, and the Yanks will conclude the Confederations Cup with a crucial Group B finale against Egypt at 1:25 p.m. CT this Sunday, June 21 (ESPN2, ESPN360.com).

While the U.S. has faced tall orders against world football juggernauts Italy and Brazil this past week, DeMerit has proven to more than hold his own as a member of Bob Bradley's Starting XI in place of the injured Carlos Bocanegra.

"Jay DeMerit plays every second as if he might never get another chance," wrote Soccer America's Ridge Mahoney. He's not the only one, but the USA needs that from every player, all the time, no exceptions."

"[Jay] plays well yet again and must have U.S. fans thankful that there is finally someone who can cover for [Oguchi] Onyewu and Carlos Bocanegra," stated Ives Galarcep on Soccer By Ives.

"Jay DeMerit solidified his spot as Bradley's first option after Oguchi Onyewu and Carlos Bocanegra, as he put out plenty of fires," wrote ESPN Soccernet's Jeff Carlisle. "He might even have planted a seed in Bradley's head that he should start [regularly]."

DeMerit's star on the U.S. National Team has risen since he came on in a pinch when Bocanegra was injured during a 2-1 win over Honduras at Soldier Field in his old stomping grounds of Chicago.

DeMerit, who was also named to the preliminary U.S. roster for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup, continues to be a fan favorite for Watford FC in The Football League's Coca-Cola Championship in England.

DeMerit played for UIC from 1998-2001, helping the Flames earn back-to-back Horizon League titles and NCAA tournament appearances, including a 2000 Sweet 16 run. He was a three-time All-NSCAA Midwest Region defender.